News
Jonathan, 20 Other African Leaders Attend Zenawi’s Funeral
President Goodluck Jonathan was among 20 other African leaders
who attended the funeral service of Mr Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of
Ethiopia, who died on August 20.
The funeral, which took place at the popular Meskel Square
in Addis Ababa yesterday, was attended by former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo
and Abdussalam Abubakar, Aliko Dangote and Foreign Minister, Amb. Olugbenga
Ashiru, among other members of the Nigerian delegation.
In his tribute, President Jonathan described Zenawi’s death
as a great loss not only to Ethiopia but to the entire African continent.
He urged the government of Ethiopia to honour Zenawi through
continued implementation of his programmes and follow the path of harmony and
sustainable development which he had established in that country.
Jonathan, who assured the people and the government of
Ethiopia of Nigeria’s readiness to continue to support its development agenda,
said the relationship between the two countries would continue to be
strengthened.
“Nigeria and Ethiopia will continue to strengthen the
existing relations through our Bi-Commission, and will also pursue Africa ’s
development agenda together.”
President Boni Yayi of Benin and the President of the AU,
said that Zenawi was a Pan-Africanist whose dedication and vision lifted the AU
to greater heights.
He said that “Zenawi supported peace and legality where they
were affected especially in the Horn of Africa. He assisted in the success of
various negotiations such as the African Climate Change negotiation where he
defended the interest of Africa.”
Yayi said as chairman of African Heads of State on NEPAD,
Zenawi contributed immensely in putting Africa in the right place and ensured
rapid economic development in Ethiopia .
President Yoweri Musaveni of Uganda said the problem of
Africa has not been the lack of resources, but the lack of visionary leaders
like Zenawi.
Musaveni said the power generation in Ethiopia when Zenawi
took over power 20 years ago was 300 megawatts “but he raised it to 2,100
megawatts.
“His vision was to generate 10,000 megawatts for Ethiopia by
2015 after the completion of the Renaissance Dam currently under construction.”
The ugandan leader said he believed that Zenawi’s death at
57 must have been as a result of too much stress from his very tight schedule.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the late prime minister
had a life of imminence, courage and enterprise which he used to advance the
life of his fellow Ethiopians, Africans and beyond.
“He was a man of rear talent and selflessness that we all
feel the magnitude he has left behind. Zenawi was an unassuming, promising and
a formidable man who finds solutions to complex situations’’, Kagame said.
President Jacob Zuma of South Africa said Zenawi’s success
could be defined by the sprawling city of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia ’s economic,
democratic and social transformations recorded within a short time.
“It was painful for the Ethiopians to lose such a young
leader who dedicated his life to the economic, democratic and social
development of his people, his country, his region and the entire continent of
Africa.”
In her condolence, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the
UN, Susan Rice described Zenawi as
“talented leader who had many things to offer.
“He was selfless, fearless and dedicated to his work and
family. He was a world class mind who taught himself and many others so much.
He was not only a good negotiator, but a wise leader who disagree based on the
vision for his people and his country.”
“Whenever we disagree with Zenawi on Economy, democracy,
human rights, regional security or any other issue, you will find that his
disagreement was not based on ideology, but for his vision for the country he
so much loved.’’
Rice said that Zenawi was ambitious, but not for himself, he
was a son of Ethiopia and a father of its re-birth who conquered poverty,
hunger and fought against tyranny.
“He transformed from gorilla to a statesman. His untimely
death will remain a big loss to Africa and the world.”
The Acting Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr Hailemariam
Desseleng said the country had witnessed massive transformation in all sectors
of development, including security, agriculture, health, economy, rural
development, education, transportation among others.
He said during Zenawi’s leadership, the country also
improved its diplomatic ties with many African and non-African countries,
regional and international organisations.
Desselegn said the country had contributed immensely in
finding lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, and also in solving
many security problems between Sudan and South Sudan, in Liberia and in Uganda.
Our correspondent in Addis Ababa reports that other leaders
who paid tribute to Zenawi include presidents Omar Aashir of Sudan and Salva
Kirr of South Sudan, Mr Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa, UN and
EU representatives.
Meanwhile, the remains of Zenawi were buried within the
compound of Trinity Church located behind the Grand Palace, Addis Ababa, after
a church service restricted only to the immediate family members led by his
wife, Azef Mesfin, his three children, and senior Ethiopian government and
church officials.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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